Free flu shots for kids in Columbia

POSTED: 06:59 PM CDT Sep 27, 2013 UPDATED: 11:14 PM CDT Sep 29, 2013

COLUMBIA, Mo. -

Officials are offering free flu shots for children starting on Monday at the Columbia Boone County Health Department.

No appointment is needed. Walk-ins are acceptable during the week, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The qualification applies to anyone between 6 months and 18 years of age. The program also provides vaccines at no cost to certain elementary and middle schools around Boone County.

The service is provided through the University of Missouri Women's and Children's Hospital and David B. Lichtenstein Foundation.

According to the state, over 1,300 people in Missouri died in 2009 from complications related to the flu or pneumonia.